User blog:Lathagarr Stormgale of Tronn/Wind Follower

Snow swirled and eddied across the barren plain, landing in deep drifts and piling against the lone pine on a faint rise. It had been seasons past since the last traveler had wended his weary way across the Plain of Death but on this night the crunch of paws in snow was heard, along with the many flickering lights from a thousand torches.

A tall, lean weasel spoke to his companion, a scrawny rat.

"Wot d'yer think made old Arfanga decide to 'ead dis way, do ye think?"

The rat shrugged "'E sed t'was a shortcut ter Bazrand's camp. So's we kin give 'im der ol' surprise attack."

The weasel gave a humorless chuckle. "So 'e thinks we'll survive the night, eh? This ain't called the Plain o' Death fer nuthin'"

A commanding voice was heard up ahead.

"Silence in the ranks! Save yer breath fer marchin' or ye'll be the first t'know why it's called that!"

The rat lowered his voice, "Pleasant bloke, is 'e, Jafan, mate?"

Jafan, the weasel shrugged and adjusted the weight of his spear.

"Ye might want t' keep yer voice down, Tallear. 'Tisn't only the captains as has ears around 'ere."

Tallear looked back and forth at the beasts beside and in front of him and closed his mouth.

Soon, there was a call for a halt and they flopped down wearily in the cold snow, quickly starting fires to warm the ache from their tired footpaws. A slim stoat maiden sat down next to Jafan, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"Arfanga's decided to send several scouts ahead. Ye'll be stayin' 'ere fer a few days. Don't worry, I've got something for you."

She pulled a satchel out of her haversack filled with extra rations and deep red wine. Jafan smiled and thanked her then tucked the satchel under the snow.

Amra Silvenblade strode out of camp and met up with the two other scouts, Setka and Torvis, a fox and a lanky young rat.

"All set. Does any of you have a map?"

Setka nodded her head and they took off at a brisk pace into the night.

The next morning broke cold and icy, but the snow had stopped. Amra crawled out of a mound of snow she had been sleeping under and stretched luxuriously. She looked up at Setka, who was already up and about and had a fire started.

"My, Setka, you're an early riser. Got any idea what time it is?"

Setka shrugged and glanced at the sun, which was just peeking over the horizon.

"Don't know for sure, can't tell in a place like this. I grew up in the southlands, ye know"

Just then, Torvis popped out of his burrow and ambled over to them.

"G'mornin' ladies, got any brekkist on?"